Fence end spacer apparatus

ABSTRACT

A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the space occupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fence post. The space occupying means fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying means can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment means and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority based upon my copending ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/846,910; filed Sep. 25, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices affixed to fencesand, more particularly, to a fence end spacer apparatus especiallyadapted for filling a spatial gap between an end fence post and a nearbystructure.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A problem often associated with fences is the presence of a spatial gapbetween a fence and a nearby structure. More specifically, a fence postat the end of a fence, called herein an end fence post, to be securelysecured in the ground, often has an underground post hole that containsa quantity of cement. The underground post hole generally has a radiusthat is considerably larger than the radius of the end fence postitself. As a result, although the underground post hole may abut ornearly abut the foundation of a nearby structure, the end fence postitself is separated from the nearby structure by at least the spatialdifference between the radius of the underground post hole and theradius of the end fence post.

The spatial gap can also be exacerbated by foundation footings and otherunderground obstructions such as buried water, drain, or electricallines.

The spatial gap can be problematical for a number of reasons. Smallanimals can pass through the spatial gap, thereby defeating the presenceof the fence. Small children can pass through the spatial gap, therebyproviding a dangerous situation when the fence is intended to keepchildren out from a dangerous location, such as a swimming pool. Asidefrom unwanted injury or death, unwanted lawsuits could result. In viewof the above, the purpose of the present invention is to solve theproblem of filling the spatial gap between an end fence post and anearby structure.

Other features would be desired with a device that fills the spatial gapbetween an end fence post and a nearby structure. For example, when itwould be desired to perform maintenance, such as painting or repairs, onthe nearby structure, it would be desirable for a fence end spacerapparatus to be swung out of a gap-filling position to allow closeaccess to the nearby structure.

Also, since a fence often has ornamental as well as functionalcharacteristics, it would be desirable if a fence end spacer apparatusalso had ornamental features.

As a matter of interest, each of the following U.S. patents discloses arespective innovation with respect to fences: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,193,583,4,862,833, 5,577,713, 6,126,146, and 6,241,217. Yet, none of thesepatents discloses means for filling a spatial gap between an end fencepost and a nearby structure.

More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,193,583 discloses an extension for afence of the chain link type, the extension having an upper panelportion and having mounting leg portions extending downwardly therefromand passing vertically through openings in the chain link fabric tosecure the extension thereto, each leg portion having an abutmentthereon to limit downward travel of a leg portion into the fabric andhaving detents especially shaped and located along the leg surfaces tocooperate with the wires of the fabric to resist upward withdrawal ofthe leg portion from the fabric, once installed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,833 discloses an animal tether device having aplurality of upright post members embedded in the ground interconnectedby at least one fence member with a rail member mounted on the postmembers a distance above the ground, such rail member having a carriagemember movably contained therein with a leash member extending therefromattached to the animal and fence extension members disposed at each endof said plurality of post members extending from beneath the level ofthe rail member and curving downward at an angle to the ground toprevent the animal from going around the end posts of the series ofposts too sharply so as to prevent tangling of the leash pulling thecarriage moving within the rail member.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,713 discloses an anchoring device for retrofitting apossibly rot weakened wood post consisting of a slanted metal stakewelded to a vertical attachment plate; where the device is bolted viathe plate to the base area of the post above the ground; while themethod includes digging an offset footing hole, then setting the bottomhalf of the stake in the footing hole with poured concrete afterplumbing the post, temporarily bracing it, and mounting the device onit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,146 discloses fence planks mounted on a supportingexisting chain link fence. Each plank uses two or more rear spacedtapered mounting blocks with predrilled center holes. After insertingthe tapered portion of the mounting block into the space between links,the simulated wood planks are placed on the opposite or outside of thesupporting chain link fence. Holes are then drilled through the mountingblocks into the in-place plank until visible from the plank's exposedouter front surface. Next, a screw is screwed through the plank'sexposed hole into the mount block to hold the plank to the chain linksupport fence. Planks are held to existing fence poles by drilling andthen screwing them directly into the pole without rear mounting blocks.An enlarged rear tapered mounting block portion engages the fence'slinks to retain the planks to the chain link fence. The plank's may bemade of wood or a molded plastic material which simulates the appearanceof wooden plank's in grain, shape and color.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,217 discloses a wire-fence gap-closer-gate fastenerhas a lever rod (1) that is pivotal vertically on a lever pivot (2)proximate a pivot end of the lever rod. The lever pivot is positionedproximate a lever end of a post-attachment member (3) that is attachableto a top portion of a fixed gate-latch post (4). Fence wiring (6) isextended from a loose gate-latch post (8) to a fixed gate-pivot post(7). For a gate-closed mode, the loose gate-latch post is attachablejuxtaposed to the fixed gate-latch post by positioning a top portion ofthe loose gate-latch post in a top post loop (12) and a handle end (10)of the lever rod is lowered to a lever rest (13) that positions agate-tightening anchor (9) on the lever rod lower than the lever pivot.

Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to be wellknown to use attachments to fences, the prior art described above doesnot teach or suggest a fence end spacer apparatus which has thefollowing combination of desirable features: (1) filling the spatial gapbetween an end fence post and a nearby structure; (2) can be swung outof a gap-filling position to allow close access to the nearby structure;and (3) can have ornamental features. The foregoing desiredcharacteristics are provided by the unique fence end spacer apparatus ofthe present invention as will be made apparent from the followingdescription thereof. Other advantages of the present invention over theprior art also will be rendered evident.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present invention,briefly described, provides a spacer apparatus which is attached to afence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearbystructure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes spaceoccupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the spaceoccupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fencepost. The space occupying means fills the space between the fence postand a nearby structure.

The space occupying means can include horizontal members connected tothe fence attachment means and can include vertical members connected tothe horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and thevertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion.

The fence attachment means can include a first fence attachment memberfor contacting a first portion of the fence post. A second fenceattachment member is provided for contacting a second portion of thefence post. The second fence attachment member is connected to the spaceoccupying means, and securing means are connected to the first fenceattachment member, for securing the fence post between the first fenceattachment member and the second fence attachment member.

The first fence attachment member can be a U-bolt, and the second fenceattachment member can be a plate which is connected to the spaceoccupying means. The securing means can include nuts attached tothreaded ends of the U-bolt.

The vertical members includes bottom ends which are distanced from theground by a bottom clearance distance.

A decoration device attached to the space occupying means.

The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that thepresent contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are,of course, additional features of the invention that will be describedhereinafter and which will be for the subject matter of the claimsappended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred embodiments ofthe invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood, that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis fordesigning other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus which has all of the advantages ofthe prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus which may be easily and efficientlymanufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus which is of durable and reliableconstruction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus which is susceptible of a low costof manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such fence end spacer apparatus available to thebuying public.

Still yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a newand improved fence end spacer apparatus which filling the spatial gapbetween an end fence post and a nearby structure.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus that can be swung out of agap-filling position to allow close access to the nearby structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new andimproved fence end spacer apparatus which can have ornamental features.

These together with still other objects of the invention, along with thevarious features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and the above objects as well asobjects other than those set forth above will become more apparent aftera study of the following detailed description thereof. Such descriptionmakes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the fence end spacerapparatus of the invention, in use adjacent to a building that has abelow-ground footer.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the portion of the embodiment of the fenceend spacer apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that is contained in circled region2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portion of the embodiment of the fence endspacer apparatus of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 thereof.

FIG. 4 is a reduced edge view of the embodiment of the invention shownin FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the fence endspacer apparatus of the invention, in use adjacent to a building thathas an above-ground footer.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of a top portion of the embodiment ofthe invention shown in FIG. 5, wherein a decoration is supported by theembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, a new and improved fence end spacerapparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present inventionwill be described.

Turning to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodiment of the fence endspacer apparatus of the invention generally designated by referencenumeral 10. In each of the figures, reference numerals are shown thatcorrespond to like reference numerals that designate like elements shownin other figures.

In the first embodiment, a spacer apparatus 10 of the invention isattached to a fence post 17 such as the end of a fence 21, to occupy aspace between the fence post 17 and a nearby structure. The subjectfence end spacer apparatus 10 includes space occupying means, and fenceattachment means are connected to the space occupying means, forattaching the space occupying means to the fence post 17.

The space occupying means can include horizontal members 12 connected tothe fence attachment means and can include vertical members 14 connectedto the horizontal members 12. Together, the horizontal members 12 andthe vertical members 14 provide a space-occupying fence portion.

The fence attachment means can include a first fence attachment memberfor contacting a first portion of the fence post 17. A second fenceattachment member is provided for contacting a second portion of thefence post 17. The second fence attachment member is connected to thespace occupying means, and securing means are connected to the firstfence attachment member, for securing the fence post 17 between thefirst fence attachment member and the second fence attachment member.

The first fence attachment member can be a U-bolt 16, and the secondfence attachment member can be a plate 18 which is connected to thespace occupying means. The securing means can include nuts 20 attachedto threaded ends of the U-bolt 16.

Each plate 18 is connected to a horizontal member 12 of the spaceoccupying means. A plate 18 and a horizontal member 12 can be weldedtogether to form a unified, integrated structure. In addition, each ofthe vertical members 14 can be welded to the horizontal members 12 sothat the vertical members 14 and the horizontal members 12 form aunified, integrated structure which serves as a space-filling fencesegment for the space occupying means. The vertical members 14 includesbottom ends 22 which are distanced from the ground 19 by a bottomclearance distance 24.

As shown in FIG. 5, with a second embodiment of the invention, thebottom clearance distance 24 of the bottom ends 22 of the verticalmembers 14 is greater than the height of the above-ground footer 15 ofthe building 11. In this way, the space-filling fence segment fills thespace between the building 11 and the fence post 17 above theabove-ground footer 15, and, at the same time does not have interferencefrom the above-ground footer 15.

As shown in FIG. 6, decoration device 26 attached to the space occupyingmeans. More specifically, the decoration device 26 can be attached to atop end of a vertical member 14.

To install an embodiment of the invention on a fence post 17, such asthe end of a fence 21, a number of plates 18 are placed againstrespective outside portions of the fence post 17. Then. A correspondingnumber of U-bolts 16 are placed on respective inside portions of thefence post 17 so that respective ends of the U-bolts 16 pass throughorifices in the plates 18. Then, nuts 20 are screwed onto the ends ofthe U-bolts 16. When the nuts 20 are tightened onto the U-bolts 16, thefence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention is affixed to the fencepost 17 to occupy the space between the fence post 17 and the building11.

If desired, the space occupying means can be in a form that does nothave the appearance of a fence. In this respect, the space occupyingmeans can be in the form of a small wall or panel.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention is a universal fencespacer unit. It is especially useful for solving space problems createdby buildings 11 and above-ground footers 15.

Conventionally, above-ground footers 15 prevent the fence post 17 frombeing placed very close to a building 11 when the building 11 has anabove-ground footer 15. As a result. A building-to-fence space gapresults between the fence post 17 and the building 11 due to thepresence of the above-ground footer 15. As a consequence of thebuilding-to-fence space gap, the conventional fence 21 does not providea secure fence structure. Ordinarily, owners of the building 11 had tosolve this building-to-fence space gap problem themselves. Often, wheninexperienced owners tried to solve the building-to-fence space gapproblem, the attempted solution results in a nondecorative orunattractive result. Such a nondecorative or unattractive result maydetract from the appearance of a newly installed fence and may detractfrom the value of the property.

Large building-to-fence space gaps caused by above-ground footers 15leave the property unsecured and would enable small children or animalsto enter or leave the property when not desired. The problem of thebuilding-to-fence space gap, if left unsolved, could lead to lawsuitsfor a swimming pool accident and could lead to yard damage caused byunwanted animals. In addition, treasured pets may escape from theproperty. Clearly, the fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the inventionsolves these problems.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention can be easily used inboth right-to-left and left-to-right space gap environments. Moreover,the apparatus of the invention provides an aesthetically desirablesolution to the building-to-fence space gap problem. More specifically,the apparatus of the invention can have the appearance of a fence, or itcan have the appearance of a decorative panel.

The fence end spacer apparatus 10 of the invention can be fabricatedfrom steel stock and welded for maximum strength. Also, it can begalvanized coated to provide long, durable service. A galvanized coatingcan match galvanized coatings often used with conventional chain linkfences. In addition, the apparatus of the invention can be painted tomatch any ornamental fence product. In addition, decoration devices 26can be added to match or complement any welded or ornamental products.

Generally, the components of the fence end spacer apparatus of theinvention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal and plasticmaterials.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, thesame is apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly, no furtherdiscussion relative to the manner of usage and operation need beprovided.

It is apparent from the above that the present invention accomplishesall of the objects set forth by providing a new and improved fence endspacer apparatus that is low in cost, relatively simple in design andoperation, and which may advantageously be used to fill the spatial gapbetween an end fence post and a nearby structure. With the invention, afence end spacer apparatus is provided which can be swung out of agap-filling position to allow close access to the nearby structure. Withthe invention, a fence end spacer apparatus is provided which can haveornamental features.

Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings andfully described above with particularity and detail in connection withwhat is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferredembodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art that many modifications thereof may be made withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts set forth herein, including,but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, functionand manner of operation, assembly and use.

Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be determinedonly by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as toencompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalentto those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstractis to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the publicgenerally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners inthe art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology,to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence ofthe technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstractis neither intended to define the invention or the application, whichonly is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

1. A spacer apparatus attached to a fence post to occupy a space betweenthe fence post and a nearby structure, comprising: space occupyingmeans, and fence attachment means, connected to said space occupyingmeans, for attaching said space occupying means to the fence post. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said space occupying means include:horizontal members connected to said fence attachment means, andvertical members connected to said horizontal members.
 3. The apparatusof claim 2 wherein said horizontal members and said vertical membersprovide a space-occupying fence portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said vertical members include bottom ends which are distancedfrom the ground by a bottom clearance distance.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said fence attachment means include: a first fenceattachment member for contacting a first portion of the fence post, asecond fence attachment member for contacting a second portion of thefence post, wherein said second fence attachment member is connected tosaid space occupying means, and securing means, connected to said firstfence attachment member, for securing said fence post between said firstfence attachment member and said second fence attachment member.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein: said first fence attachment member is aU-bolt, said second fence attachment member is a plate which isconnected said space occupying means, and said securing means includenuts attached to ends of said U-bolt.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,further including: a decoration device attached to said space occupyingmeans.